The Carowinds Amusement Park, located in North Carolina, closed one of its rides after a crack was discovered in one of the roller coaster’s support beams, according to the park’s official. The attraction, known as Fury 325, shut down on Friday and it is one of the tallest and most massive atractions in the park and North America. It also extends on both sides of the state borders of North Carolina and South Carolina.
Reportedly, the crack found in the roller coaster was located at the top of one of the steel support beams. It was also stated that the damage was spotted by park patron, Jeremy Wagner, who affirmed CBS Charlotte, N.C. affiliate WBTV that he was the one who saw the crack and recorded a video as proof. According to his version, he was waiting for his kids to finish the roller coaster ride when he looked up and saw a light coming through one of the poles.
The man told WBTV that he promptly showed the video to park security to get the attraction shut down, but the staff was not clear on whether they would do it or not. As a result, Wager contacted the fire department and this caused the Fury 325 to be closed. He later told The New York Times that “my hands were shaking because I knew how quickly this could be catastrophic,” he corroborated about his filming of the video.
Following the shutdown, the park stated that the ride was closed because of a crack at the top of a pillar. In addition, they confirmed that the maintenance team will be inspecting the attraction in order to repair it. Once the process is over, the Fury 325 will most likely be reopened. They also assured their clients that safety was the most important thing for them.
“After park personnel became aware of a crack at the top of a steel support pillar. The park’s maintenance team is conducting a thorough inspection and the ride will remain closed until repairs have been completed. Safety is our top priority and we appreciate the patience and understanding of our valued guests during this process. As part of our comprehensive safety protocols. all rides, including Fury 325, undergo daily inspections to ensure their proper functioning and structural integrity.”
